Trooper and K-9 Injured After Pursuit

From: Indiana State Police State Trooper and his K-9 Injured After a Pursuit; Suspect Arrested Perry County: Just before midnight December 13th, Indiana State Police Trooper Mark Lehmkuhler attempted to stop a brown 1984 Chevrolet pick-up driven by Lawrence R. Sturgeon, 43, of Bristow, near Tell-City for disregarding a stop sign. Sturgeon fled when Trooper Lehmkuhler activated his emergency lights. Trooper Lehmkuhler pursued the vehicle until it crashed near 6482 Scout Road. After the crash a struggle ensued when Trooper Lehmkuhler attempted to handcuff Sturgeon. During the struggle Sturgeon was able to gain possession of Trooper Lehmkuhlers flashlight and struck Trooper Lehmkuhler and his K-9, Brode, in the head. Even though they had been hit in the head with a flashlight Trooper Lehmkuhler and K-9 Brode were able to subdue Sturgeon. Far from the roadway, injured, exhausted, and without any communications Trooper Lehmkuhler had to fire two rounds from his duty weapon so that the back-up units could locate him. When the back-up units arrived they learned that Sturgeon was wanted on a warrant out of Dubois County for Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class D-Felony. Trooper Lehmkuhler was taken to Perry County Memorial Hospital where he was treated for a head and leg injury and released. K-9 Brode was taken to Lamar where Veterinarian Kevin Kennedy treated Brode for his injuries. After being treated Brode was taken home. Sturgeon was taken to Perry County Memorial Hospital were he was treated for his injuries. After being released from the hospital Sturgeon was transported to the Perry County Jail. ARRESTED and CHARGES: Lawrence R. Sturgeon, 43, 6075 Sinai Rd, Bristow, IN 47515 1. Aggravated Battery, B-Felony 2. Battery on Law Enforcement Officer Causing Injury, D-Felony 3. Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, C-Felony 4. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, D-Felony 5. Resisting Law Enforcement Causing Injury, D-Felony 6. Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia, D-Felony Possession of Paraphernalia, A Misdemeanor